Wild Times - Fall 2023

FALL 2023

BATON ROUGE ZOO MEMBERSHIP NEWSLETTER

COVER PHOTO BY 2023 ADVOCATE

PHOTO CONTEST WINNER, JANET GELPI

Dear Members,

We may have been experiencing record breaking heat here in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, but the summer has still been spectacular here at the Baton Rouge Zoo! We are thrilled to share some wonderful news and updates with you, along with heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support during the Zoo’s reimagination.

The 3rd Annual Wine Walk in April was an astounding success, raising $30,000 for the Baton Rouge Zoo and our conservation efforts. Your participation and dedication continue to make a significant impact, allowing us to further our mission and create a brighter future for endangered species.

During this summer, we organized 10 weeks of Zoo Camp, welcoming a total of 300 children. These kids were fully engaged in exciting educational activities that underscored the significance of our animals and of conserving their habitats. We are confident that this immersive experience will leave a meaningful and enduring impression on all the children who were part of it.

We are eagerly anticipating a vibrant and eventful autumn here at the zoo, with festivities that are sure to bring joy and excitement to you and your loved ones. Get ready for the much-anticipated 9th Annual BREW at the Zoo, Boo at the Zoo, and a brand-new addition to our calendar – the Art for Animals Festival.

Cherished favorites such as the captivating jaguar, the endearing spectacled bear, and the playful spider monkey island are set to reopen at the beginning of September! Plus, newly designed aviaries will house an array of majestic birds, including the vibrant macaws and many more. Meticulous efforts were undertaken to ensure that every facet of the habitats catered to the specific needs of the animals, encompassing substantial enhancements even to the animals' night shelters. Please note, we are still implementing some final touches to a few habitats, including the bison and Baird’s tapirs. This revitalization promises even better care for the animals and better experiences for our visitors.

As we look to the future, we are filled with gratitude for your continued membership and enthusiastic participation. You are the heartbeat of the Baton Rouge Zoo, and your support resonates far beyond our gates. Together, we are making a difference and inspiring positive change for our planet and its remarkable wildlife.

We welcome you, your family, and friends to the zoo throughout this season and beyond. Let's continue to create unforgettable memories and cultivate a love for animals that will endure for generations.

Thank you once again for being an integral part of the Baton Rouge Zoo family. We can't wait to see you soon!

Sincerely,

Jim Fleshman ZOO DIRECTOR, Baton Rouge Zoo

neW at the Zoo WhAt’s (And Who’s)

Reinvention UpdAte

ABOVE The construction team has made great progress on remodeling the Giraffe yard! The new giraffe exhibit will offer a giraffe feeding experience, an opportunity to get up close and personal with our long-necked friends!

stAFF UpdAtes

We welcome maintenance technician Angela Hetherwick to our team.

RetiRee

Earlier this spring we celebrated the retirement of our Guest Services Assistant Manager, Gilda Conrad. Mrs. Gilda worked at the Flamingo Café for 30 years and gave her best every day. We wish her all the best!

RIGHT Check out the progress on the new entrance to the Baton Rouge Zoo.

Photos generously provide by Amelia Cotton with The Advocate

FROM LEFT Jim Fleshman, Gilda Conrad and Corey Wilson

REMEMBERING

Gemstone

This summer we said goodbye to a beloved animal member of the Baton Rouge Zoo. On May 30th, the Zoo’s female Eastern Black Rhino, Gemstone, died due to age related factors. Gemstone was born on July 2, 1989, and was just a month short of her 34th Birthday. Though the San Francisco Zoo owned her, she came to the Baton Rouge Zoo in 2006 as a breeding loan transfer from the Center for Conservation of Tropical Ungulates in Peace River, Florida.

Gemstone was a champion for the conservation of her species. Over her lifetime, she gave birth to several rhino calves, one being born right here at the Baton Rouge Zoo in 2009 — named Zuri. Zuri now lives at the Cincinnati Zoo and will continue Gemstone's genetic legacy through her own offspring.

Black Rhinos suffered a drastic decline in population between 1970 and 1993 by about 96% — approximately 65,000 animals reduced to 2,300 in the wild. Since 1996, intense efforts to hinder poaching as well as translocation to safe areas has helped to allow the species to slowly recover to about 6,000 today. They are still listed on the IUCN Red List as Critically Endangered, though populations are rising.

Many animal technicians here at the Baton Rouge Zoo were impacted by the loss of Gemstone. She was a favorite of those that worked closely with her daily.

BY KEEPER ALICIA BUCKLAND

PHOTOS PROVIDED

“With an animal like Gemstone, it would be difficult to sum up our experience with her in one story, as our affinity and love for her has been built over the 17 years that we interacted with her. It is a story about how we grew together. John, my husband, and Hoofstock Curator, and I were new to the zoo in 2006, the same year as Gemstone. And it was interesting to observe how her development and comfort at the zoo paralleled our experiences. Her calf was our first calf, and the first time I had milked a rhinoceros.

From her we learned that Black Rhinos are far “deeper” an animal than you would think. They trust you so very implicitly when they know you, as Gemstone knew us. And once they trust you, they seek you out amongst others and will even greet you with a special vocalization reserved just for their friends. She would allow us to lay her down, to apply medications and she trusted us with her baby. Rhinoceroses have very poor eyesight and sometimes get easily spooked, but whenever she would get upset at something strange in her environment, we could just talk to her and soothe her.

We knew her likes and dislikes — she liked sweet foods and disliked red potatoes, for example. She loved — I mean LOVED baths. We would take the time to hose all her folds and creases and she would get down to roll all around and then lean into the hose.

It’s not to say that all animals don’t enjoy things or have strong personalities that we enjoy, too. But some of the animals leave a bigger imprint on the heart than others, and Gemstone was one of theM. She was a sweet and sassy girl, and we all miss her.”

—Paige Marshall Area Curator

Recently, Gemstone had experienced some common health issues related to old age and her species. An abscess on her right rear foot required additional attention, including numerous medications, hydrotherapy, and laser therapy. After consulting with several veterinary experts in rhino medicine and care, it was determined that the Zoo’s animal care and veterinary staff were properly treating her, and doing everything that could possibly be done to help her heal. An animal welfare assessment plan was developed to humanely euthanize her if her quality of life further declined, however, on the morning of May 30th, animal care staff arrived at the Zoo to begin their rounds and it was discovered that Gemstone had passed away peacefully during the night.

Upon hearing the news, Baton Rouge Zoo Veterinarian, Dr. Sean Perry said, “According to the AZA (Association of Zoos & Aquariums) life expectancy statistics, the average median life expectancy for an Eastern Black Rhinoceros is 19 years. Gemstone lived a long & healthy life largely due to the professional care and attention given by the Baton Rouge Zoo animal care and veterinary team.”

We are very proud of our animal technicians and veterinary team for the care and attention they gave to Gemstone both in sickness and health. She is sorely missed by all of us here at the Baton Rouge Zoo.

MasteR Adult Winner

Afternoon Nap in the Sun by Janet Gelpi

Advanced Adult WINNERS

1st Afternoon Nap in the Sun by Janet Gelpi

2nd Eye See You by Brent S. Blanc

3rd The Gift By Jeanie Rhea

2023 AdvocAte Photo contest Winners

Novice Adult Winners

1st Stripey Bois by Leslie Bethany

2nd The White Pelican by Tyler Istre

3rd Renewed Strength by Abbie Bourgeois

FAN FAVORITE

Best Bunch at the Zoo! by Marcey Bess

Junior Winners

1st Snack Time by Madison Smith

2nd Shade of Pink by Layden Lewis

CHILD Winners

1st Soft Kitty, Warm Kitty

by Holly Browning

2nd Slow and Steady Wins the Race by Hannah Paulk

3rd Look Mom, Humans! by Daneil Miles

Fun Foto Winners

1st Tiger Tongue by Jeanie Rhea

2nd Giraffe's Biggest Fan by Lauren Davis

3rd The Watering Hole by Abbie Bourgeois

UNLEASH YOUR CREATIvITY AT the inAUgURAL ARt FoR AnimALs FestivAL WHERE ART ANd CONSERvATION CONvERGE

Calling all animal lovers, art enthusiasts, and adventure seekers!

The Baton Rouge Zoo is thrilled to announce its newest and most exciting event yet — the Art for Animals Festival. Get ready to discover your creativity while embracing your love for wildlife, as this event offers a captivating fusion of artistic expression and wildlife conservation. The festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on November 11, 2023. Stroll about the zoo to marvel at the creativity of

2024

NATIONAL ZOOkEEPER WEEk

various local artists who will paint their interpretations of the zoo’s habitats as well as the pieces on display at the opening of the Art for Animals Festival Exhibition.

If you are a painter, print maker or photographer, the Baton Rouge Zoo invites you to be a part of the upcoming Art for Animals Festival Exhibition. This is your chance to showcase your creative prowess by contributing captivating, animalthemed artworks that will not only

inspire awe but also raise awareness for the vital cause of wildlife preservation. Join us in this artistic endeavor and let your masterpiece roar for the wild! Visit our website to answer the call for artists brzoo.org/news/call-for-artists.

Whether you’re an artist or you just love animals, save the date for November 11th and be part of a movement that transforms art into action and inspiration into change. We will see you there!

On July 18, we celebrated our zookeepers! All zookeepers were treated to lunch and the Baton Rouge Chapter AAZK President, Conni Pope, prepared the day’s activity — an egg hunt! Keepers searched and found plastic eggs to win special goodies, like spa certificates, hotel rooms, gift cards and more, thanks to the donations of the Baton Rouge Zoo Foundation.

Zoo CAmp

Our campers got to experience so many interesting and wild things this summer! We’ve found out what it’s like to have eyes like a bug and tried our hands at nest building. Campers made enrichment for different animals and then enjoyed watching them play with and destroy our creations! They had so much fun getting to meet and learn about so many different animals, like rhinos, giraffes, snakes, and owls!

Our 9th annual Brew at the Zoo will be happening this year on September 29th! Brew at the Zoo invites guests 21+ to the zoo for an afterhours evening of beer tasting, food sampling, live music, animal encounters and more. This sell-out, 1,500-person event is one of the most anticipated events in Baton Rouge each fall and continues to be a hit! Tickets are on sale now at brzoobrew.org. Be sure to keep an eye on our socials for updates on music, vendors and more!

Spotlight: Zoo volunteers

Zoos and aquariums offer unique volunteering opportunities, and at the Baton Rouge Zoo, our dedicated volunteers contribute their distinct skills and talents to further our mission.

Meet Richard Hirsh, a carpenter by trade, who has generously volunteered at the Baton Rouge Zoo for four years. Richard utilizes his carpentry expertise to construct perches, steps, and enrichment activities for various animals and exhibits, enhancing their living environments.

Lauren Strope, another valued volunteer, has been an integral part of the Baton Rouge Zoo for one and a half years. Lauren actively supports our education team by maintaining office spaces and ambassador animal housing on a

weekly basis. Additionally, she assists in preparing the animals' meals for the entire week, greatly aiding our educational programs such as field trips, zoo mobiles, safari nights, and more.

Mark Antoine, a dedicated volunteer for three years, plays a vital role as an honorary keeper. Mark dedicates his time to the hoof stock team, consistently assisting with feeding, yard maintenance, and any necessary tasks to ensure the animals' well-being.

Jennie Waldrop, a volunteer of nearly one year, shares her profound knowledge and passion for animals with visitors as she interacts with ambassador animals around the zoo. Her ability to engage children and educate them about the animals is truly remarkable.

Leading our volunteer efforts is Dodi Falcon, our volunteer coordinator. With a deep commitment to ensuring that the zoo operates smoothly, Dodi collaborates with all zoo departments to provide support for animal care, special events, educational encounters, and beyond. Having returned to the Baton Rouge Zoo this March after a brief hiatus, Dodi brings a wealth of experience from her previous three-year tenure with us.

Volunteering at the Zoo offers a profound and fulfilling connection with animals and nature, an opportunity that not everyone gets to experience. Our volunteers not only find personal happiness through their involvement, but they also bring joy to the dedicated staff and zoo visitors alike.

How Zoos Save Species

When species around the world are identified as on the brink of extinction, they are collected from the wild and brought into specialized breeding facilities. This approach, often the last resort, stands as the beacon of hope for their continued existence. The journey to restore a species population is a process that can span up to three decades under optimal conditions. Ultimately, the aim of species breeding programs is to reintroduce thriving populations to their natural habitat.

It’s a long and arduous process to save a species from extinction—but it is possible!

Take the remarkable recovery of the bald eagle from the brink of extinction as a testament to the power of conservation efforts. Once facing the perils of habitat loss, widespread pesticide use, and illegal hunting, the iconic symbol of American strength and freedom made a successful resurgence. Pioneering measures such as the banning of the pesticide DDT, the establishment of protected habitats, and dedicated breeding and reintroduction programs fueled the bald eagle's revival. Through collaborative action, public awareness campaigns, and legislative support, this majestic raptor soared

back from the edge, demonstrating the positive impact humanity can have on preserving and revitalizing our precious natural heritage.

Conservation efforts for the Galápagos tortoise, a living relic of Earth's evolutionary history, have emerged as a compelling saga of dedication and resilience. In the first half of the 19th century, pirates and whalers collected live tortoises by the hundreds as a food source on their voyages. The rapid collection led to a dramatic decline in their population numbers, and the species were unable to keep up. By the 1960s, the Galapagos Giant Tortoise population was reduced to just 15. All the surviving tortoises were taken to a breeding facility near their home island to save their species and repopulate the island. Since then, more than 2,000 tortoises have been returned to their native island. Still, the tortoises that have been reintroduced to the islands face human caused threats. Non-native species such as feral pigs, rats, cats, dogs, and fire ants threaten the eggs and hatchlings. Conservation programs can help by providing nest protection and generating methods for mitigating the effects of human mitigation.

The Eastern Bongo, the third largest antelope species, is classified as critically endangered, with habitat loss and poaching threatening its survival. In fact, Bongos are the primary target of tourist safari hunting in central Africa. Over the past thirty years, Eastern Bongo populations have dwindled by an alarming 20%. With a mere 100 Eastern Bongos remaining in the wild and a fragile count of 300 within zoological care, our efforts carry profound weight. Zoos around the nation participate in Species Survival Plans that aim to rebuild the Eastern Bongo population by pairing the animals for breeding based on their genetic traits. Luckily, the program has aided the birth of many of Eastern Bongos in zoo around the country and we are hopeful that their numbers will continue growing.

These conservation stories exemplify the pivotal role of zoos in shaping the intricacies of our global ecosystem. The Baton Rouge Zoo, along with countless counterparts worldwide, stands as a sanctuary of hope, demonstrating how the synergy between conservation efforts, public support, and meticulous care can start a renaissance for the Earth's magnificent and wild inhabitants.

SPOTLIGHT MeMBers

DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE MEMBERS

Tabetha Camaille

Cathy Waggenspack-Landry

Edward Alfortish

Lauren Juneja

Amanda Standish

Victoria (Vyki) Thompson

Joseph Simmons

Ian Blanchard

Kylie Benge

Tyler Lewis

Colby Moore

Alicia Biggs

S.Teala Brown

Kenidee Blake

Keith Bonin

Riley Boudreaux

Tina Clause

Sara Daas

Phil Frost

Brian Hales

Michael Kearns

Gary Merrifield

Ralph Ney

Todd Schexnayder

Spring Stanger

Brad Boudreaux

Richard Launey

Ken Sherman

Paul Sicard

Jesse Dupont

Bill O'quin

Stephanie Powers

Norisha Glover

William Wilcox

Jim Fleshman

Aaron Hauser

Martha Littlefield

Katherine "Sue" Rainer

Angela Robinson

John Standiford

John Turner

Ashley Ward

Tracie Johnson

Scott Joseph Fin

Paula Varnado-Sullivan

Taylor Clause

Christa Wilborn

SAFARI CLUB MEMBERS

Eric Parnell

Candice Crespo

Monique Cain

Debbie Perry

Caitlin Rotolo

Gregory Keehfuss

Brandy Pendergrass

Hanh Hoang

Natalie Davis

Julie Morales

Whitney Woodson

Mary Keogh

Christina Torretta

Kimberly Drews

Aubrey Parker

Christina Bourgoyne

Emily Pozzi

Francisca Comeaux

Andrew Orellana

Malaura Blanchard

Brandon Cook

Kelly Day

Jessica Gaboury

Richard Hirsch

Richard Marshall

James Mungall

Julie Noland

Monica Peters

Kimberly Willems

Daniel Johnson

Katherine King

Jose Murillo

Kevin Raske

Casey Broussard

Tony Williams

Rebekah Giroir

Jessie Depriest

Ellie Noel

Craig DeMarche

Cortney Haser

Terry Lee Moore

William Potter

Eilleen Thompson

Michele Blackwell

Richard Boyer

Ashtin Mcnicoll

Kathryn Edwards

Melissa White